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Guides & Safety
Your guides are probably the New Zealanders you will get to know best. They are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will explain the natural and human history of the area you are walking through. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient and friendly service, and provide everything from a warming cup of tea or coffee at lunch to an evening briefing on the next day’s walk. All guides are trained in first aid and are in radio contact with each other, the lodges and our Queenstown, Te Anau or Mount Cook bases at all times. Your safety is of paramount importance to us, and your guides may have to adapt the day’s walk depending on your fitness and weather or track conditions. While they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if circumstances demand this.
Weather Conditions
It is essential to be well prepared when walking. New Zealand has very changeable weather patterns. Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National parks have high rainfall levels and the weather can change dramatically in one day. The unpredictable nature of weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst conditions and carry the appropriate clothing at all times. Even snow is possible in Summer. Thermal underwear and a fleece jacket are essential.
Exposure and hypothermia can affect anyone when the weather is wet, cold and windy, so GO PREPARED!
Your fitness - Are you up to the Challenge?
Our walks are neither easy nor difficult. They are a challenge which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack containing your personal belongings weighing 5-7kg (10-14lbs) for 6-8 hours over 15-21kms (9-13 miles) of mountain tracks each day. We encourage you to walk at your own pace, there is no pressure to walk with others or keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the front and rear of the party. The track surface varies from smooth well-formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree roots. There are steep rocky downhill sections and you may have to cross small streams and wade in deep water after heavy rain.
If you are not a regular walker we suggest you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks before departure. Carry a backpack and gradually increase the distance you walk. Staircase or hill climbing will leave you even better prepared for your challenge.
Pre Track Briefing and Transport
Is at Ground Floor, ‘The Station’, Duke Street entrance, Queenstown: Milford Track 4.00pm / check-in 3.45pm. It is essential that you attend. All transport from Queenstown to the start of track and return to Queenstown is included. No hotel / motel pickup so please meet at rear of ‘The Station’ at 9.30am on the morning of departure. Tour returns to Queenstown 4.00pm (approx.). You will be dropped off at ‘The Station’ building.
Where should I leave my excess baggage while I’m walking?
A small bag (we can lend you one if necessary) of clothing for use at Milford Sound will be sent by road from Queenstown to await your arrival. Any further baggage can be stored at your hotel. (It is advised that you stay at the same hotel after the Milford Track as you stayed in before walking). Please note that because of weight restriction on our coaches, suitcases cannot be transported.
All lodges
Have hot showers, with soap, shampoo and conditioner provided and flush toilets. Accommodation is in twin beds with own ensuite bathroom.
All beds have pillows and duvets or comforters. There is generated electricity in the lodges – generators are turned off at 10.00pm each evening.
Three-course dinners, cooked breakfasts and picnic lunches are provided on track.
New Zealand wine, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase at each of the lodges. These purchases are to be paid for at Mitre Peak Lodge so please take cash and credit cards.
Equipment provided and carried
Excellent backpacks and PVC raincoats can be provided free of charge, but you may bring your own. These items are essential. Each day you carry your sheet which we provide (you may bring your own silk sheet), picnic lunch and personal clothing. Packs generally weigh 5-7kg (10-14lbs) We supply each client with a plastic pack liner, but clothes should be put in plastic bags for added rain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be fit enough?
To enjoy your experience, you need to be able to carry a backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs) for 4-8 hours over 10-21km (6-13miles) of sometimes uneven track each day. We encourage everyone to walk at their own pace, it is not a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is no pressure to keep up with the fastest walkers and there is always a guide at the rear of the group.
The track surface varies from smooth, well formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks & tree roots. There are steep rocky downhill sections and clients may have to cross small streams and wade in deep water after heavy rain. We recommend that you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. Walking poles are also recommended and available for hire.
A reasonable level of fitness is required and if you are not regular walkers, we suggest that you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks prior to departure. You should gradually increase the distance that you walk, carrying a backpack. Staircase or hill-climbing will leave you better prepared.
What weather should I expect in the month that I am walking?
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions and carry the appropriate clothing at all times. November & December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. Generally January & February are warmer but not necessarily dryer. March generally has fresh mornings, sunny days and cooler nights with shorter days.
How heavy will my pack be?
It's likely to be approximately 5-7 kg (10-14lbs) if you follow our equipment list guidelines.
Do I have to carry my pack or do you transport it?
You carry your own pack from lodge to lodge. We do not offer a service for transporting your luggage.
What clothing do I need to bring?
Please refer to equipment list.
Can I wash my clothes?
All lodges have hand washing facilities with soap and drying rooms. Being able to wash and dry clothing helps keep the pack weight down.
Do I have to bring all my clothing with me from my original destination?
We will lend you a raincoat. If you do not wish to bring all your clothing or do not have a particular item, we have a very reasonably priced shop in Queenstown where items can be purchased prior to your departure.
Where should I leave my excess baggage while I am walking?
We do not store spare luggage or park cars; this must be arranged with your pre/post track accommodation (it is therefore advised to book with the same accommodation provider pre/post track). NB on the Milford track / Classic: a small bag can be borrowed for clothing for use at Milford Sound and will be sent by road from Queenstown to await your arrival at Mirte Peak Lodge.
What time do I arrive back in Queenstown?
All multiday walks arrive back at the Station Building at approximately 4pm. This arrival time may connect with some flights from Queenstown. Milford Track walkers can finish at Queenstown Airport if required.
How bad are the sandflies?
Notably worse on the Milford Track, we recommend wearing insect repellent each day.
Where can I park my vehicle?
Generally the hotels/motels where you are staying will allow you to park your vehicle whilst you are on the track, if you are staying there on your return. It would however pay to confirm this with your accommodation.
Is there alcohol on the track?
New Zealand beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase at the lodges. These are paid for at the final lodge on your walk.
What about special dietary requirements'?
Vegetarian meals can be provided on all tracks. We will endeavour to cater for your exact dietary requirement within reason, however please remember we are in an extremely isolated and challenging environment.
How many people share the bunkrooms?
Bunkrooms sleep 4 - 6 people with shared bathroom facilities. Private rooms are available on the Milford Track with either a queen-sized bed or twin beds and their own ensuite bathroom. Please request these as they sell very quickly.
I will be travelling by myself, is that a problem?
No problem. It is a great opportunity to walk with like-minded individuals from around the world.
What are the toilet facilities on the tracks?
All our lodges have flush toilets. There are toilets (some flush, some Kiwi long drop style!) at all our lunch shelters and lodges.